My Favorite Wildlife Species
Written by Kaʻū Wildlife Scholarship Recipient #2: Derek Lang
In May 2023, HWF offered ten scholarships to recent high school graduates with ties to Kaʻū (thanks to funding from a private foundation). Part of the application process included an essay (400-500 words) featuring their favorite native wildlife species, plant or animal. Find more info about the scholarship here.
Derek (second from the left) and family volunteering with HWF for a net recovery patrol in 2023. Photo by Bev Sylva / HWF.
Within the vastness of the Pacific Ocean resides a creature that embodies the essence of Hawaiʻi; exploration and pioneering. ʻĪlio holo i ka uaua the remarkable marine mammal also known as the Hawaiian Monk seal or “the dog that runs through water” [or na mea hulu for “esteemed / furry one”] is endemic to the islands of Hawaiʻi and found nowhere else on earth. ʻĪlio holo i ka uaua serves as a reminder to the adventurous, and wanderlust zeitgeist that has remained and continues to permeate into Hawaiian history.
Derek’s favorite native wildlife species, the Hawaiian Monk Seal (R8HE), was observed at Honuʻapo, Kaʻū. Photo credit to Jodie Rosam.
The intrepid Polynesian explorers found their way to the isolated Hawaiian islands guided by the stars, wind, verbal wisdom, and intuition, these seafaring pioneers cherished the creatures that inhabited them. Similarly to the Polynesian explorers ʻīlio holo i ka uaua is revered and an embodiment of extensive journeys across the Pacific. These seals travel great distances, navigating inhospitable weather, currents, and other unpredictable conditions much like the voyagers from the Marquesas islands. In ʻīlio holo i ka uaua’s quest for subsidence and survival of the species ʻīlio holo i ka uaua encapsulate the Polynesian exodus to explore the oceans.
ʻĪlio holo i ka uaua is believed to have inhabited the Hawaiian islands for millions of years, slowly adapting and constantly changing in their unique marine environment, ultimately becoming masters of their pelagic realm. Today ʻīlio holo i ka uaua symbolizes the dependents of pioneers and survivors adapting to an evolving ecosystem. In many ways, this mirrors the Hawaiian people’s ability to adapt and flourish despite its remote location, and transformative geography. Truly ʻīlio holo i ka uaua have risen from their evolutionary currents and embody the essence of the Hawaiian islands.
Another photo of a Hawaiian Monk Seal RA20 captured by Ke Kai Ola volunteer (and HWF intern). Photo credit to Katie Cartee.
In the past 200 years ʻīlio holo i ka uaua and the Hawaiian people have faced new, foreign modern challenges. There remain roughly 1,600 seals left after the sharp decline in population size largely due to human interference. The seals face threats from pollution, human encroachment, fishery entanglement, disease and contaminants, intentional killings, and so on. There had been a continuous decline in population since the late 1950s and only recently have population numbers begun to rise ʻīlio holo i ka uaua is one the most endangered species in the world. The species’ decline is mainly attributed to the low juvenile survival and reduced prey availability.
Despite the remarkable resilience of ʻīlio holo i ka uaua, humans cast a grave and unwavering shadow on their existence. As humans continue to populate and explore the Hawaiian islands, it is necessary to acknowledge and be cognizant of our impact. There are countless specific ways one can help perpetuate ʻīlio holo i ka uaua’s survival; however, conclusively, if the monk seal is ever to thrive again it will require a great change in perspective and alteration in the way we as a species go about perpetuating ourselves. As we embark on new journeys, I implore us as a species to tread lightly and make every effort to preserve the habitats that all animals, including us, call home.
Derek posing for a photo after a net recovery patrol with HWF. Photo by Andre Lang.
Derek and family helping at a Kaʻū Community Cleanup event co-hosted by HWF and Ala Kahakai Trails Assn in June 2023. Photo by Megan Lamson / Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund.
From Polynesians who inhabited the Hawaiian islands to modern travelers, one should appreciate the living testament we find in our oceans that demonstrate the enduring connection and embodiment that the pioneering nature of the Hawaiian islands have on its animals, land, and people.
Please join us in congratulating Derek in being the second first Kaʻū Wildlife Scholarship Recipient and for his continued passion to protect native wildlife (and ecosystems) during his academic and career future!
Find more info about applying for (or supporting) this Kaʻū Wildlife Scholarship here.
